Money Talks News: Alternative Uses for Stuff You Have Around the House

Cabinet Staples Can Often Do Double Duty

By Amanda Geronikos

Can't get rid of that funky odor from your mudroom? Out of laundry detergent and paper towels, too? A trip to Walmart beckons…or does it?

As it turns out, you don't need Lysol to freshen the air, nor do you need paper towels to clean your bathroom mirror. Dig through your cabinets and you'll find some little-known (and in many cases, better) uses for something you already have.

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Can't get rid of that funky odor from your mudroom? Out of laundry detergent and paper towels, too? A trip to Walmart beckons…or does it?

As it turns out, you don't need Lysol to freshen the air, nor do you need paper towels to clean your bathroom mirror. Dig through your cabinets and you'll find some little-known (and in many cases, better) uses for something you already have.

Coffee filters are lint-free and typically work better than paper towels when it comes to cleaning your windows or mirrors. Obviously, filters aren't cheaper than paper towels, but in a pinch they could save you a trip to the store.

As you saw in the video above, vinegar is practically a wonder-substance. Sure, it's a great coffee pot cleaner, but it can relieve sunburn pain, athlete's foot, a sore throat, and hiccups. It's also a remedy for acne and body odor.

Baking soda is commonly known as an alternative to toothpaste (though not one that should be used every day), but it also acts as an antacid. Simply mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda with a few ounces of water.